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Samyutta Nikaya
Sacca Saṁyutta

SN 56.14 Āyatana Sutta
Sense Faculties

The connection between internal sense bases and the Four Noble Truths.

“Monks, these are the Four Noble Truths. What four? The Noble Truth of suffering, the Noble Truth of the origin of suffering, the Noble Truth of the end of suffering, and The Noble Truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering.

And what is the Noble Truth of suffering? It’s the six interior sense faculties. What six? The sense faculty of the eye, the sense faculty of the ear, the sense faculty of the nose, the sense faculty of the tongue, the sense faculty of the body, and the sense faculty of the mind. This is called the Noble Truth of suffering.

“What is the Noble Truth of the origin of suffering? It’s the craving that leads to future rebirth, mixed up with delight in and greed, taking pleasure in various different existences. That is, craving for worldly pleasures, craving to continue existence, and craving to end existence. Monks, this is called the Noble Truth of the origin of suffering.

“What is the Noble Truth of the end of suffering? It’s the fading away and cessation of that very same craving with nothing left over, giving it away, letting it go, releasing it, and not adhering to it. Monks, this is called the Noble Truth of the end of suffering.

“What is the Noble Truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering? It is this Noble Eightfold Path, that is: right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Monks, this is called the Noble Truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. Monks, these are the Four Noble Truths.

“Therefore, monks, you should make an effort to understand …”

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Saṁyutta Nikāya 56.14 Āyatana Sutta: Sense Faculties

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Questions for Reflection:

Can you think of a time your senses caused you suffering?

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